Do those lofty ideals ever get put into practice? Yes, by specific individuals. Years ago we had in this church a man who had been saved after beginning to attend here. He was serious about Christ and had a strong desire to witness for Christ. The apostle Peter gave a general admonition in this first letter: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).

But this man went beyond that. He had the gift of evangelism. He was very clever and would seek thoughtful ways to present the gospel to people.

But there was something in his past known only to him and God. As a teenager living in New England he worked in a sporting goods store. While there he stole some merchandise. Now years later, married with two children, he felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. So he exercised his will to make a trip back to that store and speak to its owner. He confessed and made restitution for his theft.